I just read "The Iceman Cometh?" by Eugene O'Neill. I have to admit I didn't understand what it was about?

Question

It takes place in a bar in NY. There are about 15 or so people who are "down and outers". They are looking forward to "Hickey" a successful salesman who comes around once a year and buys everyone drinks. But when he arrives they come to hate him and wish he would leave. I had trouble understanding the meaning of this play. Can anyone tell me their thoughts on the play?

Answer 1

HIckey is an alcoholic. When he comes in the last time, he announces he is sober and has found his way. He tries to get others to find thier way too. Many leave the bar telling him they will accomplish their dreams, only to return. Hickey, then admits that he murdered his wife. The police arrive and he launches into a defense of how he did it for love. Everyone is convinced he is insane. But his words have changed all of them and one of the characters Don - realizing he is not going to change ends up killing himself.

The play has a lot of political overtones with reference to the anarcist and socialist movements. There are characters who are socialists and characters who are anarchists and there is reference that the police know of their activities.

The play is very long and complex and seldom performed. But it is considered O'Neill's finest work. It may do you well to read some of the key speeches and scenes in the play again. Often you don't grasp a play on the first reading because most people are unused to reading things written in the play format. It is a little hard to follow at first. Try reading one of Hickey's speeches outloud and see how it sounds. Give it some more time. You should understand it. It is most definitely worth the effort. Sparks notes arent always the answer. Give O'Nelll a chance to tell you his story in his own words. Pax - C.